All the staff were truly wonderful and we loved walking around the grounds and swimming in the pool. The fine dining food was impressive once we got past the two rather tasteless amuse bouche. The lounges and library were stunning but we only discovered them as we were leaving which was a shame.

The hotel badly needs an update and in character with its heritage. Right now there are blingy gold chairs and decorations in reception and a gaudy carpet throughout that was so unpleasant it took my breath away! The bathroom also needs an update (had to climb into the bath to have a shower) and there was no coffee machine - just Nescafé sachets! It was very hot during our stay and it would have been nice to eat dinner outside overlooking the gardens. When I asked if this was possible I got a very abrupt and final ‘No!’

The whole ambience of the hotel is one of efficient luxury, from the initial welcome at reception and then throughout our stay. The staff are all very friendly and the cleanliness and comfort levels are exemplary.

We found the two restaurants to be a little disappointing. We ate in the fine dining one on the first night and although every plate is beautifully presented, each contained numerous blobs and slashes of food, most of which were quite tasteless. We ate in the bar on the next two nights and here the food was well cooked and had flavour, but there were some odd combinations, such as fresh tuna on a bed of slightly soggy chips with a fried egg and a slice of cooked ham on top!

It is a lovely hotel in a luxury garden setting. The main building is authentically decorated, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The beds are comfy. Breakfast is good. The hotel restaurant is pricey, but the food is delicious.

The most luxurious rooms in the hotel are also the noisiest. They overlook the popular garden spot (where some events may run well after midnight) and are located right up the restaurant terrace; the rooms' soundproofing is nearly nonexistent. The cheapest rooms, on the other hand, are located in the new modern building quite far away from the breakfast and dinner facilities.

Unique property with beautiful grounds to wander about, truly impressive trees. If you stay here you should really take the time to explore. But not as amazing as the University botanical garden so don’t skip that one.

It is obviously a place that has seen much better days. Very few and inconveniently located power outlets to charge devices in the room. Property is quite a distance from the city, so you have to take Uber or walk 30 min. Restaurant menu is uninspiring, not enough gluten free options. BTW, the university campus library did not impress us.

This is an historical, amazing place. It once was occupied by royals, including D. Pedro and Inez de Castro, the Romeo and Juliet of Portugal. The original chapel and library are open for viewing. The spa rooms were the best in our one month driving route through Portugal. The staff was exceptionally helpful. The breakfast was excellent, featuring an omelette station, which we found in only one other hotel. It was a 20 minute walk into the historic center of Coimbra, but as parking in the city is so difficult it was worth it to just walk in. Of course, the hotel would be happy to arrange a taxi.

No complaints.

We had a very lovely stay (family with a toddler). The people who work in the hotel were incredibly kind and welcoming (offered to move check out to 2 pm so our daughter can have her snooze, upgraded us to a bigger room to make it more comfortable with a cot). The hotel has a big garden, lots of character, the rooms are mostly in the modern attachment- I see it as a benefit, adds to comfort. The hotel was clean, common rooms (library, sitting rooms etc in the old building) were in beautiful condition. Breakfast was good. I was a bit worried while booking because of some negative comments, but it was a lovely stay, the hotel has very unique energy about it, we really enjoyed. I didn’t have the opportunity to have dinner (Michelin 2023) and we didn’t use the spa. But they do have a big outdoors pool- probably great is summer.

Some things maybe a bit old, but general sense of comfort and friendliness made up for this.

This is an exceptionally beautiful property. The gardens are unbelievable. The staff is first rate. The restaurants were both wonderful, and the chef took particular care to make sure that my food allergies were respected, and my meals were crafted so that I could eat safely. The Tour guide they arranged for us was phenomenal. The massage therapist was great. They even upgraded us to the Royal suite which was amazing. This was one of the best hotel experiences I have had in my life.

There was absolutely nothing. I didn’t like about this property.

Surprises await at this charming hotel - beautiful public spaces, furnished with antiques, a stunning outdoor area with a large pool, historic botanical gardens, a highly regarded 'fine' dining room plus an informal dining area, and the list goes on. We stayed in the original palace, in a comfortable room with an adequate bathroom. The hotel is located within a 15 minute or so walk from the historic centre of Coimbra. Highly recommended. It's the facilities and the surrounds of this hotel that makes it a 'standout'.

Nothing of note, although shower over the bath may be an issue for some.

I loved the entire hotel and its grounds. Everything was beautiful and well maintained. The garden was enchanting. The interior of the building was stunning and our room was large and the bathroom as well. Bed was very comfortable and the linens were wonderful. Plenty of room on the bathroom counter! Large closet/safe/ and lovely garden view. They greeted us with a glass of port which was very nice and appreciated. The staff were always professional and polite. The dinner was amazing and the breakfast more than we could ask for. I would love to stay here again!

nothing

This is a hotel of understated grandeur both in its older and more modern buildings. The setting , historically at the site of a romantic legend as well as actually within superb gardens are incomparable. The location, a 10 minute walk to the city centre is perfect. The staff are the most courteous and helpful you could find. The meals in the Bistro restaurant were of high quality and good value, served in this tranquil and most tastefully decorated suite of rooms, like a club or library. The extravagant breakfasts are served in a patio dining area beside the Romantic Garden, where the ducks make their ablutions in the tree-shaded pond as you drink your coffee. The weather was beautiful so the indoor pool was not used but looked to be a pleasant , if relatively small facility, within the spa area. The large, classically rectangular outdoor pool with ample, fresh and comfortable loungers, parasols and a discreet bar was a lovely spot after city tours of a late afternoon. (Don't miss the churches or museums, even a short visit is rewarding). The fascinating history of the place is so intimately bound-up with the story of this city as to make this a rare chance to live in the event. The wealth of art, literature and guidance as to the 14th century tragedy of D.Pedro and D. Inez available on site made for easy appreciation of the facts and legends relating to this aspect of Coimbra's history. As for the bigger historical picture, the staff were very happy and well able to advise on how to make the most of a 2 day visit.

There is nothing that could be faulted. We had a beautiful room, of elegant, clean furnishing, a most comfortable bed and pillows and with 5 windows opening on the gardens, perfect air- conditioning if these were preferred closed, a very well appointed bathroom with bath and shower, complimentary coffee and local liqueur and water.